A role for δ subunit-containing GABA-A receptors on parvalbumin positive neurons in maintaining electrocortical signatures of sleep states

Abstract

GABAA receptors containing {delta} subunits have been shown to mediate tonic/slow inhibition in the CNS. These receptors are typically found extrasynaptically and are activated by relatively low levels of ambient GABA in the extracellular space. In the mouse neocortex, {delta} subunits are expressed on the surface of some pyramidal cells as well as on parvalbumin positive (PV+) interneurons. An important function of PV+ interneurons is the organization of coordinated network activity that can be measured by EEG; however, it remains unclear what role tonic/slow inhibitory control of PV+ neurons may play in shaping oscillatory activity. After confirming a loss of functional {delta} mediated tonic currents in PV cells in cortical slices from mice lacking Gabrd in PV+ neurons (PV {delta}cKO), we performed EEG recordings to survey network activity across wake and sleep states. PV {delta}cKO mice showed altered spectral content of EEG during NREM and REM sleep that was a result of increased oscillatory activity in NREM and the emergence of transient high amplitude bursts of theta frequency activity during REM. Viral reintroduction of Gabrd to PV+ interneurons in PV {delta}cKO mice rescued REM EEG phenotypes, supporting an important role for {delta} subunit mediated inhibition of PV+ interneurons for maintaining normal REM cortical oscillations. Significance statementThe impact on cortical EEG of inhibition on PV+ neurons was studied by deleting a GABAA receptor subunit selectively from these neurons. We discovered unexpected changes at low frequencies during sleep that were rescued by viral reintroduction.